A DEVELOPER’S six-year battle to build 184 homes in open countryside near Winsford appears to be over after being turned down by the Government.

Cheshire West and Chester Council rejected Darnhall Estate’s scheme, for land off Darnhall School Lane, in November 2013 because the Winsford neighbourhood plan was due to be examined – making the planning application ‘premature’.

An appeal was rejected by Greg Clarke, then-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, in 2016 following two public inquiries – but the decision went against the opinion of the planning inspector and was quashed by the High Court.

Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has now rejected a fresh appeal by Darnhall Estate – going against the opinion of the planning inspector for a second time.

CWAC’s planning committee unanimously agreed to stand against Darnhall Estate in the third planning inquiry last November.

The council insisted the proposal would harm the countryside and goes against both its own local plan and the Winsford neighbourhood plan.

But Jon Suckley, representing Darnhall Estate, disagreed and insisted the development would be sustainable and provide substantial benefits to Winsford – including 74 affordable homes and a boost for local builders.

In supporting CWAC’s view, a report from Mr Jenrick’s office said: “Although the Secretary of State agrees the proposal would not have a significant impact on the landscape, given the loss of open countryside and the clear conflict with [the local plan] and its aim of protecting the intrinsic character and beauty of the Cheshire countryside, he concludes this should attract significant weight.”

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Darnhall Estate can challenge the decision at the High Court if it makes an application by December 16.